Mosquitoes are awful and annoying to deal with, especially when the weather warms up and it’s hot outside. They fly around your home, constantly pestering you until they finally decide to bite you and suck your blood. Afterward, you are left with an irritating bump on your arm or leg that you just want to scratch. To make matters worse, mosquitoes are often carriers of diseases and viruses such as malaria, zika, or west nile virus.
Bug sprays are a common solution to this problem. However, bug sprays are full of harsh chemicals that may cause other health issues.
Fortunately, there are all-natural ways to prevent mosquitoes from hanging around your home.
Place these six plants around your house, and say goodbye to mosquitoes for good.
Citronella
Citronella oil is a common ingredient in most bug repellents. It has a strong odor which masks mosquito attractants. You can plant citronella in large pots. They typically grow to 5 to 6 feet tall, so make sure you have ample space in your yard.
For more details on how to grow citronella, please click here.
Basil
Basil is a great herb for cooking, especially pasta, but it turns out, basil is a great mosquito repellent. Basil is one of the most pungent herbs, and it gives off a scent that mosquitoes really dislike. A 2011 review published in the Malaria Journal concluded that essential oils found in basil provided near one-hundred percent level of protection from mosquitoes.
Therefore, planting basil is a win-win. Not only do you get a great mosquito repellent, but you also get a natural herb to use for cooking. It’s a no-brainer!
For more details on how to grow basil, please click here.
Peppermint
Peppermint is more than just a flavor of gum or body wash. It’s got a great scent, and it is also a natural insecticide. According to a study by the Malaria Journal, peppermint oil kills mosquito larvae in addition to repelling them from the human body.
If you see mosquitoes in your home or backyard, crush a few peppermint leaves to release the scent and scare them away.
For more details on how to grow peppermint, please click here.
Lemon Balm
The leaves of lemon balm have a lemon scent with a hint of mint. While lemon balm is typically known for its healing properties, it’s great for attracting known pollinators such as bees and butterflies – pollinators are must for any garden! – and for repelling mosquitoes. To quickly scare away mosquitoes, crush a lemon balm in your hand and rub it on your exposed scent. Mosquitoes will leave you alone and let you be.
Be sure to grow lemon balm in an easy-to-reach location. That way, you can grab a leaf to use whenever you need it.
To learn how to grow lemon balm, please click here.
Lavender
Mosquitoes absolutely hate lavender, but humans love the smell of lavender (at least I do!). The scent promotes a calm, soothing sensation, and it will keep those pesky mosquitoes away from your home. You can repel mosquitoes by planting lavender around the home, or you can crush the leaves and rub the oil on exposed skin. Either works!
To learn how to grow lavender, please click here.
Catnip
Catnip is a welcome addition to any garden – your cats will thank you for it. It’s widely considered as one of the best natural insect repellents. Catnip contains a chemical known as nepetalactone. The best part: catnip is relatively easy to grow.
To learn how to grow catnip, please click here.
Keep these 6 plants around the home, and you’ll never be bothered by mosquitoes again. Isn’t that great?
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